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From Oxford to the World: Bridging Science, Art, and the Power of Storytelling

7/27/2026

As an Old Member (Alumnus) of both New College and Mansfield College at the University of Oxford, I immersed myself in scientific research and health education as a cognitive neuroscientist, yet my journey did not stop there. I learned that storytelling is a powerful tool to bring science to life, making complex ideas accessible and memorable. It helps us learn, remember, and ignite our creativity.

As a scientist, drawing inspiration from Latin phrases and classical wisdom, I have learned that "Veritas et Ars" (Truth and Art) go hand in hand. Knowledge is not just data; it is a narrative waiting to be told. Whether I am explaining health topics, teaching behavioral skills, or exploring history lessons, I aim to craft stories that not only inspire curiosity and understanding but also enhance retention and memory, ultimately supporting meaningful behavior change.

This concept has been mapped directly to cognitive neuroscience through the Aesthetic Triad Model formulated by Dr. Anjan Chatterjee in 2014 (Chatterjee & Varanian, 2014). This neuroaesthetics framework reveals how our brains process beauty, meaning, and creation by engaging three interconnected neural systems:

Meaning-Knowledge System (Veritas): The quest for truth and understanding
Sensory-Motor System (Ars): The experience of beauty and sensory engagement
Emotion-Valuation System: Our feelings and personal valuation of what we experience

By understanding these systems, we can craft stories and learning experiences that are not only memorable but also deeply engaging—fostering creativity, insight, and lasting knowledge.

In my experience working directly with parents, newborns, children, and teenagers, I have found that integrating storytelling grounded in neuroscience profoundly enhances understanding and engagement. These techniques help simplify complex concepts about brain development, behavior, and health, making them accessible and relatable from the very beginning of life. By fostering curiosity and emotional connection, this approach empowers families to support positive learning environments, healthy decision-making, and resilience at every stage of development.

Brain Boost Tip
To enhance your learning and creativity, try this simple exercise:

Connect a new idea to a story or personal experience.
Visualize it vividly and attach emotional meaning.
Reflect on how it relates to your existing knowledge.

This aligns with how our brain naturally processes information—making it easier to remember and more inspiring to create. Let’s harness the power of truth and art, science and storytelling, to learn better and inspire more.

Remember, the stories we tell ourselves and others shape our understanding and inspire future discoveries. By embracing the intersection of science, art, and storytelling, we open the door to deeper learning, creativity, and insight. Let us continue to explore and share these powerful connections—because the future of learning is as much about imagination as it is about knowledge.

References
Chatterjee, A., & Vartanian, O. (2014). Neuroaesthetics. Trends in cognitive sciences, 18(7), 370–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2014.03.003

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Principles for a Better Tomorrow

7/4/2026

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Guiding values that inspire us today to build a more compassionate, honest, and equitable future for all.

Photograph by James DeCarli, July 4, 2026

The enduring values of integrity and humility I learned at New College, Oxford, remind us that true character is demonstrated through how we treat others, regardless of background or circumstance. This principle, encapsulated in the college’s motto, "Manners Makyth Man," encourages us all to prioritize kindness, moral character, and ethical conduct in our personal and professional lives.

I believe that by embracing and modeling these values, we can create a ripple effect—building a community of individuals and leaders committed to honesty, respect, and compassion. Whether in research, public health, education, or everyday interactions, we each have the power to set a positive example, foster trust, and inspire others to act with integrity.

Furthermore, I believe that understanding ourselves deeply, the motivations, values, and character that define us, is essential to passing on these principles effectively. I encourage others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery: to reflect honestly on how they treat others, what principles they hold dear, and how they can embody those principles daily. As we grow in self-awareness and authenticity, we become better equipped to influence others positively.

My hope is that others will take this guiding principle and adapt it to their own contexts, creating a collective movement toward character-driven leadership and service. Together, through courtesy, ethical conduct, and self-awareness, we can strengthen our communities and advance a more compassionate, equitable world.

With reflection and purpose, may these insights inspire your journey.

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From Oxford to the World: Bridging Science, Art, and the Power of Storytelling

Principles for a Better Tomorrow

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From Oxford to the World: Bridging Science, Art, and the Power of Storytelling

​Principles for a Better Tomorrow

Author's Insights

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Principles for a Better Tomorrow